Friday, May 22, 2009

It's been a long hiatus...

I know that this post is really long overdue. I have really missed blogging, but just have not been able to commit to it for many reasons. A lot has happened since the start of the year.

First, I was sick again and it went on for a few months. Eventually, I wound up needing surgery and am still somewhat recovering from that. In the sense that I'm not in pain, but still don't really feel like myself.

On top of all of this, my dear sweet amayee (mother's mother) passed away from this earth 1 month ago. I don't know whether to call it bad luck, lousy timing or what that didn't allow me to spend time with her the way I wanted. That is probably the biggest disadvantage to living so far... I was not able to visit her and she was not in any condition to make a trip here.

Amayee was the strongest woman I'd ever known. She was barely educated, couldn't read, write or tell time. She grew up in a small village and that was really all she knew. She married her maternal uncle and had 6 children, one of whom died very young. Amayee lost her husband at a young age and was left with 5 little children that ranged in ages from 12 to one year old. Yet, she didn't fold. She stayed in her house and fought to raise those children, despite never being exposed to the outside world. There were nights when she went to bed hungry, but she had to keep going to make a life for her kids.

Eventually, they grew up and her son got married and had 4 children of his own. She had the indescribable grief of seeing her son pass away 13 years after his marriage. Seeing her daughter-in-law widowed just as Amayee had been all those years ago killed her. So, she tried to be a source of strength to them for as long as she could.

Over the past few years, Amayee had become ill and was not able to take care of herself anymore. That is a type of torture that no one should have to undergo. Through everything, she was always concerned about everyone else's well being and always showered us with her blessings.

I will always treasure the sweet moments we had together, although they were few and far between. Amayee continues to live on in our hearts and is dearly missed...

I hope to resume blogging soon, as I find it to be so therapeutic. Miss you all and thanks so much for the kind messages and emails.

24 comments:

Siri said...

It feels so good to hear from you Kalai. Get well soon and my deepest condolences.

take care,
Siri

Cham said...

My deepest condolences Kalai. I wish you a good health.
Hugs,
Cham.

amna said...

I lost my mom's mom last week too.. I know exactly how you feel!

Sujatha said...

that was nice to read about your grandma.. she seems to be very strong and determined.. I'm so sorry to hear that she is no more..

Hope you feel better soon...

bee said...

sorry to hear about your bereavement and wish you a speedy recovery from your surgery.

Lavanya Raj said...

Kalai, Get Well Soon...

Your Grandmom is really Great. let her soul rest in peace.

Uma said...

ooh, so sorry to hear about your grandma! My deepest condolences!

Take care of your health dear!

Raaga said...

Good to hear from you Kalai... sorry to read about your illness and the loss of your grandmother.

Please accept my condolences.

Red Chillies said...

Hugs to you dear Kalai. What an ordeal to go through. I hope you get the much needed strength and comfort.
I read about your Amayee, the pain she went through and what a brave lady she was. My heart felt condolenses to you.

Lisa Turner said...

Very sorry to hear about your loss and your illness. Take care and I look forward to posts from you in the future.

Pravs said...

wishing you a speedy recovery and good health. My condolences to you for your loss.

Lena Jayadev said...

hai kalai..im new to your blog..my hearty condolences...hwz your health now..?

Sig said...

Hi Kalai, my deepest condolenses to you! Your grandma sounds like a great woman! Also, sorry to hear that you got sick again, wishing you a very speedy recovery from your surgery. Get well soon girl, missed you!

Mamatha said...

So sorry to hear about your loss. I hope you recover soon.

Mamatha

jayasree said...

Hi Kalai, Sorry to read about your grandma. My deepest condolences.
how is ur health? Wishing you a speedy recovery after the surgery.

Laavanya said...

I can see how this has been a difficult period for you Kalai - take heart. It's good to see you posting again. Take care of your health.

Anonymous said...

My deepest condolences Kalai and wish you a speedy recovery.

Nirmala said...

Oh Kalai, I could understand every word of u'rs. I was lucky enough to have my Grandma staying with us til lI reached college and she is the one who raised me. I am my Grandma's child. Nobody can replace her. I simply adore women like u'rs and my Grandma. They were the real inspirations for us. I was terribly missing you all these days visiting u'e blog often for updates. I am so glad that u're back and yes blogging is therapeutic. So many good souls around to laugh and weep with us. Have great time blogging again!

Manju said...

Your grandma sounds like a very great woman. Im very sorry for your loss. And also, sorry to hear about surgery and all. Get well soon and hope to see you up and running again soon!

Shah cooks said...

Sorry to hear abt ur surgery and ur grandma. take care of ur self ..it takes at least a year before u can get ur old self back..speaking from experience. blogging is indeed cathartic but don't let it overwhelm you.:)

DK said...

This post was overwhelming to say the least :(

Surgery!! What in god's name happened to you? My deepest condolences for your grandma..but I just want to say maybe she is now in much better place and happier with her husband...

Though I would love to see you back in the blog-o-sphere..i dont feel like being entirely selfish...You get back your strength, recover with excellent health and then can blog! we arent going anywhere and will be very much here waiting for you when u do..:)

Hugs
DK

Unknown said...

First time here, eel so sorry for you. Pray to god to give you enough strength to overcome all your pains.

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear Kalai. My prayers are with u!

Kalai said...

Thanks to each and every one of you for your kind words and for keeping me in your thoughts. You have no idea how much it means to me...